Reflecting on 2025, Charting the Course for 2026: Perspectives from OAM Leaders

What message would you like to share with the AM community as we begin 2026?

Soon Thye:

"Grateful to SingHealth Duke-NUS AM clinicians, researchers, educators, and administrative teams, we enter 2026 united and energised—powering collaboration, elevating care, igniting innovative education, and accelerating research for patients and communities."

Julian: 

"Very thankful for the strong foundation in research, innovation, education and administration to support Academic Medicine that has been built over the years. Kudos to everyone in SingHealth Duke-NUS AMC for playing an important part in this!"

Charles: 

"Cherish the journey, not just the destination."

Looking back on 2025, what were some key highlights or achievements in Academic Medicine that stood out to you?

Soon Thye:

"2025 spotlighted impactful initiatives in precision medicine, AI-enabled care and research, and population health, deepening our capabilities in translating ideas to impact, advancing landmark trials and deepening our talent pipelines through ACPs, AMRI, AMII and AMEI programmes. There were also several signature events such as SingHealth Duke-NUS Scientific Congress that have helped galvanised collaboration and showcased our innovations our communities."

Julian: 

"One area that stands out is the growing importance of Innovation in our AMC in 2025. Innovation can rapidly bring improvements to patient care. It can also improve our processes and operations, attract industry partners and enhance our standing as a global AMC."

Charles: 

"Beyond the awards, grants and accolades that we won, what stood out was the palpable enthusiasm that was evident throughout our AMC in being part of the Academic Medicine journey."

As we look to 2026, what are your hopes and priorities for Academic Medicine and the AM community?

Soon Thye:

"With the launch of RIE 2030, we have an opportunity to build on our collective momentum, harnessing the strengths of both the medical school and our health system. Across our AMC, we are seeing extraordinary convergence of clinical excellence, scientific innovation and a shared desired to push the frontier of medicine for our patients. I am excited that through convergence science, we can collectively solve today's complex health challenges posed by an aging population and climate change. "

Julian:

"My hope and priority is that we can enhance how we identify and attract talented colleagues across all disciplines who share our values to join our AMC."

Charles:

"That we strive to make a difference for our society and to leave behind a legacy for our next generation."

What message of encouragement would you share with our AM community as we embark on this new chapter together?

Julian:

"There is an African proverb which says “f you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go with a team”. Let’s continue to work together to advance academic medicine for the benefit of our patients, colleagues and the next generation!"

Charles:

"As we continue to scale new peaks and break new grounds in Academic Medicine, always remember our mission and what matters most - Our Patients and Our People."